The Holy War — Page 223
Proceedings—Debate 2 June 1893 223 purpose behind all the attacks that were made in Islam against them was to establish the helplessness of the idols of the disbelievers. It was never the case that these battles were intended to make these people Muslims by giving them death threats. In fact, they were already liable to death owing to their various and sundry crimes and blood- shed. And from among the Islamic favours which the Merciful Lord had granted them, one was also that if somebody was bestowed the ability to join Islam, then he could be spared. Where is the coercion or compulsion in this? The Arabs had the verdict of death upon them because of their pre- vious crimes. Despite this, these concessions were also acted upon that their children should not be killed, their elderly should not be killed, their women should not be killed, and together with this, the conces- sion was made that anyone who accepts Islam would also be spared death. (The rest, later. ) Signature—English Signature—English Ghulam Q a dir Fasih Henry Martyn Clark President President Representing Muslims Representing Christians